Looking for love? LIE on your online dating profile to bag a suitor

LIAR: New research recommends fibbing about your job online if you have a boring profession [GETTY]

You wouldn’t normally expect a dating site to advocate lying, but that’s what Illicit Encounters, the UK’s largest dating site for married people, is doing.

They say that people who have, or claim to have, exciting or interesting jobs are up to three times more likely to get a date - so it’s bad news if you work in a call centre or you’re a mortgage adviser, but great news if you’re an archaeologist or a secret agent.

Lying on your dating profile is nothing new, and when it comes to men and women lying on their dating profile it appears the sexes are equal.

Men over exaggerate their level of fitness while women knock a few years off their age.

A spokesperson for the site said, "Having a dull job can really effect your chances of finding a date - such a small profile space means making an impression is tough and others can quickly judge you on what you do, rather than who you are.

"The saying goes, ‘dress for the job you want, not the one you have’, and the same goes for online dating - put yourself forward as who you want to be not who you currently are.

"Having spoken with our members, the interesting thing is that when they meet each other on a first time date they are rarely disappointed despite the white lies that may have been previously told. ”

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Men also admitted to claiming they knew famous people and earned more than they actually did.

While women seemed to think they’re more interesting after taking a few years off their age and pretending to like football to impress men, with some admitting even having had to check scores of big games to keep a conversation going.

Both men and women admitted they were more likely to go on a date with someone who had an exciting job despite their appearance, with obscure and unusual jobs such as archaeologist or racing driver prick their interest easily.

TOP TEN LIES TOLD WHEN ONLINE DATING

1. Claiming to be slimmer/fitter2. Claiming to have a better job3. Knowing famous people4. Having a better car5. Being younger6. Claiming to read books they haven't7. Claiming to be taller8. Claiming to be better travelled9. Claiming to be a non-smoker10. Claiming to be a vegetarian